YC
Tracy Young on Scaling PlanGrid to 400+ People with YC Partner Kat Manalac
@ Y Combinator
06/12/19
Takeaways
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
I wanted to be an architect, but not being accepted into any architectural programs turned out to be a blessing. I love buildings and spaces, and I wanted to be part of the building process.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
My first job out of school was as a construction engineer, where I was tasked with quality control on the job site, checking specifications and blueprints.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
The idea for PlanGrid came from my experience as a construction engineer, where I saw the need for better tools in the construction industry.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
Initially, PlanGrid started as a fun project. We didn't realize it could become a business until we sold our first million dollars without a sales team.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
We were all friends and had worked together before, which made us confident that our co-founding team was the right fit for building something long-term.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
We had to educate our customers on using mobile devices and our software, as many in the construction industry were not digital natives.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
We designed PlanGrid to be valuable for everyone in the construction industry, from project executives to electricians, ensuring it met the needs of all users.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
Simplicity was key in our product development. We focused on providing easy access to construction information on mobile devices.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
One of my favorite features is the ability to overlay different sheets of information, allowing users to see changes between versions easily.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
We were the only system in construction that allowed users to search for any word on the sheets, making it easier to find specific information quickly.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
Version control was a revolutionary feature for us, allowing users to track changes and manage different versions of documents effectively. We were using machine learning to manage construction documents before it became popular, allowing us to version control plans and avoid confusion over outdated documents.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
The U.S. construction industry wastes $20 billion annually due to outdated plans, which often leads to costly rework.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
One key lesson I learned from Y Combinator is the importance of firing people who aren't a good fit quickly, as it affects the entire team's morale and productivity.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
When hiring, I look for candidates with high pain tolerance and the ability to be generalists, especially in the early stages of a startup.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
As a company grows, it's crucial to start specializing roles to avoid chaos and ensure clarity in responsibilities.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
In later-stage startups, I prioritize authenticity in candidates during interviews, as it’s important to work with genuine people.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
I believe that maintaining a positive attitude is essential in a work environment, as it significantly impacts team dynamics and productivity.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
To manage work-life balance in a high-paced startup, I focus on the outcomes we create rather than just the hours worked.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
I practice yoga and meditation to help manage stress and maintain a healthy perspective as my company grows.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
Having a clear delineation of responsibilities between co-founders is vital for a successful partnership, as it helps avoid conflicts and ensures effective leadership.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
It's totally possible to lead a team while managing the challenges of parenthood, as I did while leading over 400 people and navigating my pregnancy and childbirth.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
Finding leaders who have scaled companies before and surrounding myself with experienced individuals has been crucial for my growth as a first-time CEO.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
Prioritization is key; many founders get caught up in meetings and tasks that don't actually move the startup forward, so it's important to focus on what truly matters.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
Meditation helps clear mental clutter and allows me to focus better, especially during stressful times.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
I recommend reading 'Moment of Lift' by Melinda Gates; it's a powerful book that offers hope and insight into the world.
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Tracy Young
06/12/19
@ Y Combinator
I learned to be more authentic over time, moving away from trying to fit a certain mold of what a CEO should be, which has made me a happier person.